Summer safety: Avoiding heat-related stress

Heat-related stress is illness which usually occurs when a person is exposed to a hot-environment which overwhelms their body’s ability to maintain a normal temperature.

The early symptoms of heat-related stress include headaches, dizziness, faintness, nausea and vomiting.

In babies, signs of heat-related stress include restlessness, irritability and a reduced number of wet nappies.

Heat-related stress is a serious medical condition. If not recognised early and managed properly, people can potentially develop life-threatening illness (heat-stroke). Simple measures that can be applied by everyone significantly reduce the chance of becoming seriously unwell with heat-related stress.

What causes heat-related stress?

People adapt to heat by sweating, reducing their level of physical activity, and moving to a cool environment such as an air-conditioned building. If a person is not able to adapt in this way then their body temperature begins to rise and they become unwell.

Heat-related stress can occur in anyone but those most at risk include:

• young children and babies
• the elderly
• pregnant women
• obese individuals
• disabled individuals, particularly those with impaired mobility
• individuals on medications which promote fluid loss or reduce sweating
• individuals who exercise or work outdoors
• people who are not acclimatized to heat (e.g. overseas visitors)

Heat-related stress can occur on normal summer days, but the risk of developing heat-related stress increases dramatically if outdoor temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius. Relatively short exposure to extremely hot environments can also cause heat-related stress. These include the interior of a hot car, a tent on a hot day, or periods of direct exposure to the sun.

The risk of developing heat-related stress is highest during a ‘heat-wave’ where temperatures are above average for several sequential days and it remains hot overnight.

How can heat-related stress be prevented?

Individuals must protect themselves from the dangers of heat-related stress during hot summer days and heat-waves. The following measures should be followed to reduce the chance of suffering heat-related stress:

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid dehydration

Dehydration reduces your body’s ability to cool itself by sweating. Check with your doctor how much you should drink if you are on limited fluids or fluid pills.

Water is the best fluid to drink.

Avoid beverages which contain caffeine or alcohol.

Stay in a cool environment

Stay indoors or in the shade wherever possible.

Sleep in the coolest part of the house.

Keep air circulating and use air conditioning if available. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned facility such as a shopping centre or library.

Reduce physical activity

Avoid strenuous physical activity.

If activity is unavoidable, rest often and drink plenty of fluids.

Take extra measures to increase cooling

Wear light-weight clothing.

Take a shower, bath or sponge bath.

Eat regular, light meals.

Be aware of vulnerable people

Frequently check on older, sick and frail people who may need help coping with the heat.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a motor vehicle as temperatures can rise very rapidly to dangerous levels.

If a person becomes unresponsive, confused or disoriented in the heat they should receive urgent medical attention.

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